HELP Cleaning and care for a wood carving

[ScottM]

A co-worker of mine just acquired a carving of a wooden eagle. It stands about 3' high and is carved from cherry. There does not appear to have a finish other then maybe BLO. The problem is this wooden eagle was on display in a shop and parts of it have been darkened from all the handling. SO the two questions are 1) how to clean? 2) does he put a finish or sealer on it?

I told him that I knew a bunch of experts so guy and girls a little help please.

 

[striker]

Scott,

I don't really have a clue for you but reading the post thru I was wondering if was possibly shellac and not BLO. If its shellac, you mite try a little alcohol and a tooth brush. Shellac will come back to life if you rub it out with the alcohol.

Stephen

 

[jeff...]

Might want to try rubbing it - never know a Jeni might appear and grant you three wishes. If not it might get clean

 

[Gofor]

Is it dark from handling or is it because of the cherry reacting to the light? If from teh light, I doubt you will be "cleaning" it. Exposing it to direct sunlight may even the colors out more, tho.

Go